Looking at the cultural center of Jean-Marie Tjibau, you get the impression that it is all a fairy tale where heroes in chain armor came out of the sea ... There are giants, either the sails of huge ships, or the waves washing this island, or aliens come out of the dense tropical forest of New Caledonia.
There is a weird feeling after visiting a European city, the capital of the island - Noumea. These unusual constructions are located only 10 kilometers from it. And in the evening, they are backlighted! That bluish light makes feel a little uneasy. They seem unreal and magical ...
All of that is the Cultural Center. The architect intended to combine the modern technologies and traditions of the ancient Kanak tribes. For a long time, the traditions and crafts of ancient peoples were prohibited in New Caledonia, and the construction of the complex is a real breakthrough.
The prototype of the buildings were huts of ancient peoples. In such a “village” there are ten huts. Each of them is from 22 to 28 meters high. Buildings are interesting not just because of their shape, but also of the content. In the Jean-Marie Tzhibau Cultural Center, you can dance, draw, or play the piano.
According to the author’s idea, the whole complex is the villages of Kanakov. Every one of them has their specific traits. Somewhere you can see permanent and temporary exhibitions. Close to it - a hall of 400 seats and an indoor amphitheater.
The next village is the administrative center. There are also laboratories, where researchers work. But the entrance is not just for employees. Then, you can come to the library and read a book. The other village should be very interesting for the children because there is a children's center and a school of ancient Kanak art.
So, in the Cultural Center of Jean-Marie Tzhibau, you can walk, breathe the air, relax from the progressive world of Noumea, sing, dance, visit exhibitions and learn more about the ancient civilization.
Notice! It is not stuffy here, but on the walls, there is no single air conditioner. The ventilation system of the building is special. If the temperature of the building is too cold, the roof and walls become transparent. The air is heated with solar heat.
And the facade is made of perforated glued wood, letting the air to come inside and cool the area. There also is the special system of wooden blinds opening with a slight wind, and closing with a strong one. The architecture of the building makes it a real musical instrument. When the wind passes through all the constructions, the building makes a very pleasant and subtle sound.
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